WESTBROOK – LeAnna Jeanne (Martin) Foley passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 5, 2023, in Westbrook, at the age of 76. She was born on Oct. 18, 1946, in Auburn, Ind., to Gordon and Vera (Lockhart) Martin.

LeAnna, affectionately known as “Lee”, was raised by Duane and Ruth Carey in Ohio. Though circumstances separated them as children, Lee always kept her brother, Johnny and sister, Rita in her heart. Lee graduated from Ashtabula High School and later completed the CNA program at Southern Maine Technical College.

Lee’s Christian faith was important to her. At many points in her life, Lee was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. She found a sense of community within the Portland, South Portland, Limington, and Buxton congregations.

The memory of LeAnna Foley will offer comfort to those who knew her – through recollections of her adventurous spirit, storytelling, and compassion for animals.

As a young adult venturing out on her own, Lee found herself working on a dairy farm with her first husband, John. With no experience but a determined nature, she went out and wrangled a cow into the milking station – only to find out she had indeed brought in a very unhappy bull.

In the next chapter of her life, Lee excitedly packed her second husband, Frank, and her three boys into the car for a cross-country drive from Maine to California, despite her pregnant belly practically reaching the steering wheel. Later in life, Lee could be found happily “galavanting around” (as she called it) on outings to thrift stores and yard sales, often with a friend or two from Millbrook Estates in tow.

Lee’s heart was reflected in her prolific writing. Through most of her life she produced reams of poetry. In her twilight years she was insatiably autobiographical, impressively completing an unpublished memoir.

Lee’s love for animals knew almost no bounds. She cared for many rescue pets throughout her life – dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and fish. Lee once encountered an injured skunk on her way to church. Without hesitation she put the unfortunate critter inside her car and drove it to the vet! She and her children later piled into the church pews, albeit a little late, very smelly, but without regret.

LeAnna is survived by her sister, Rita Pratt of Elkhart, Ind.; her five sons and three daughters-in-law, John Anthony Butt Sr., of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mike Butt and Jessica Haskell of Dayton, Gordon Emrey and Brenda Butt of Falmouth, Francis Foley and Mia Perron of Westbrook, and Matthew “Marty” Foley of Saco; her 13 grandchildren, John, Timothy, Lauren, Caleb, Micah, Emily, Mike, Sydney, Michael, Cole, Taniesha, Bryce, and Michael; her 11 great-grandchildren; and of course, her rescue cat, Minx.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.

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